Incubator Temperature Control Using an External Chamber Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory tempering devices face challenges in maintaining precise and reliable temperature control due to adverse effects on temperature sensors from laboratory samples, cleaning agents, and user interference, necessitating frequent calibration.
Innovation Solution
A laboratory tempering device with a temperature sensor positioned outside the chamber, protected by insulation, controls the temperature indirectly using device-specific immutable relationships to set the internal temperature accurately without a direct internal sensor, utilizing an electric controller and data processing unit to estimate the internal temperature based on external sensor readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is positioned inside the chamber to directly measure temperature, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to exposure to adverse effects from samples, cleaning agents, and user interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the chamber wall as an intermediary medium to transfer thermal information from the chamber interior to the temperature sensor. The sensor measures the temperature of the chamber wall outer surface, which thermally correlates to the chamber interior temperature, thereby avoiding direct exposure to harmful factors while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a thermal copy of the chamber interior temperature by measuring the temperature of the chamber wall outer surface. This thermal copy is sufficient for control purposes and eliminates the need for the sensor to be physically present in the harsh chamber environment
2Manufacturing precision
If a temperature sensor is positioned inside the chamber, then temperature control accuracy is improved, but maintenance effort increases due to frequent calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber wall serves as a protective intermediary that isolates the temperature sensor from the chamber environment. This positioning preserves temperature control accuracy through thermal correlation while significantly reducing maintenance requirements by keeping the sensor in a benign environment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent effectively makes the temperature sensor a long-lived component by positioning it in a protected environment. The sensor no longer suffers from the harsh conditions that would require frequent replacement or calibration, reducing operational costs and maintenance effort
3Reliability
If insulation elements are added to protect the temperature sensor and control unit, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective insulation function with the existing chamber wall structure. The chamber wall simultaneously serves as the structural boundary of the chamber and as the thermal interface for the temperature sensor, eliminating the need for separate protective housings or complex insulation arrangements
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber wall is given multiple functions: it serves as the structural boundary of the chamber, provides thermal insulation, and acts as the thermal interface for the temperature sensor. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while improving reliability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach prolongs the sensor's lifespan, reduces maintenance, and ensures efficient operation by maintaining accurate temperature control within the chamber, eliminating the need for frequent calibration.
Implementation Method 1
an insulation element (4, 16) that thermally insulates the temperature sensor (3) and temperature control unit (6) from the environment
Implementation Method 2
a temperature control unit (6) for tempering the chamber (2) that is mounted in thermal contact with an outer side (2a) of the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a laboratory tempering device for storing laboratory samples at a target temperature. It relates in particular to an incubator (1) for growing cell cultures. The invention moreover relates to a method for setting a target temperature in a laboratory tempering device that is based in particular on estimating the temperature inside the chamber.